Memorial Having Persistent Computer-Readable Memory and Interface Means

ABSTRACT

An improvised memorial stone for a grave, the memorial stone having computer-readable memory accessible through a port protected from the elements by a cantilevering table stone. In various embodiments, skeletal remains of the deceased further comprise an RFID tag encased in a non-biodegradable polymeric material. The computer-readable memory and RFID tag are adapted to transmit a unique identifier exclusively associated with the deceased and personal data about the deceased, including, by way of example, photographs, life stories, journal entries, and genealogical information.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to gravestones and memorials, and moreparticularly relates to memorials having persistent computer-readablememory and computer interface means.

Description of the Related Art

The following background information may present examples of specificaspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts,or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educatethe reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to beconstrued as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof,to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Gravestones, cenotaphs and other engraved memorials traditionally madeof rock such as granite, quartz or sandstone are commonly placed inmemory of the dead, typically at the head of a grave in a cemetery orelsewhere to commemorate the life of a deceased individual. Throughouthistory, the words engraved upon a gravestone have tended, in manycases, to eventually become all the data which survives about theparticular deceased individual to whom the memorial pays tribute.Typically, this engraved data comprises simply the name of the deceasedperson, a date of birth and death, and sometimes the names of spousesand/or children. Gravestones and memorials may also incorporatereligious symbology, but typically have little to no data about the lifeof the individual commemorated.

Individuals, including the deceased's posterity, often visit thegravesites of the deceased to honor their memory and bereave theirdeparture. Because of the difficulty of engraving stone, and the limitedarea available upon the face of gravestones and memorials, informationgoes unrecorded on gravestones and is lost about the departed over time.A gravestone or memorial quite often becomes the only tangible remnantof the deceased's lives.

The living descendants of the departed desire and cannot obtain furtherinformation in many cases. The engraved information represents theextent of what is known about the deceased and what informationpropagates through time. The living visit the deceased with theinability to learn and then pass on memories of the deceased at thegravesite. It becomes difficult for the living to understand whatconnection exits between the deceased and the living or appreciate theaccomplishments of the deceased's while living.

Additionally, over time, the bodily remains of the deceased may becomemisidentified and lost. Markers are removed or destroyed over decades orcenturies, and bodies disinterred and reinterred at alternate locations.Coffins deteriorate. Remains of the departed commonly becomeunidentified. There exists no efficient means in the art of associatingthe physical remains of the deceased with a name or a marker identifyingsaid remains.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for a grave marker, ormemorial, which provides more data than what can be engraved on agravestone—as well as means for associating the physical remains of aperson with said marker. Ideally, computer readable information aboutthe deceased would be available and accessible at the situs of agravestone itself, with interface means adapted to allow the free flowof information to visitors in a way which is resistant to the effects ofrain, snow, ice, sun and weather over time.

With the foregoing in mind, it is therefore a primary object of thepresent invention to provide a memorial having persistentcomputer-readable memory and interface means. In view of the foregoing,it should be clear that there is a need in the industry for such amemorial which is taught by the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need existsfor a memorial having persistent computer-readable memory and interfacemeans. Beneficially, such an apparatus would provide long-lastingphysical components and digital means efficacious for helping to curethe above-described deficiencies with memorials in the prior art.

The present invention has been developed in response to the presentstate of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems andneeds in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currentlyavailable apparatus and methods. Accordingly, the present invention hasbeen developed to provide a long-term memorial for descendants and otherposterity. To provide this memorial, the present invention also providesthe living with the ability to transfer the deceased's identity andmedical information as well as documenting the individual's lifehistory, achievements and familial relationships for posterity.

The stone memorial may comprise: a base stone adapted to rest on one ofa ground surface and subgrade; a tablet stone affixed superiorly to thebase stone; a table stone affixed superiorly to the tablet stone, thetable stone cantilevering over a forward face of the tablet stone suchthat a lower surface of the table stone overhangs the forward face ofthe tablet; wherein the table stone comprises a computer-readable ROMmemory unit accessible through a port disposed on the lower surface ofthe table stone, such that table stone protects the port from directexposure to sunlight and precipitation; wherein data written into thecomputer-readable memory unit comprises a unique identifier exclusivelyassociated in a database with a deceased person to whom the memorialpays tribute; wherein data written into the computer-readable memoryunit further comprises one or more of: a name, a birth date, a deathdate, a marriage date, photographs, a life story, journal records,memoirs, and genealogical information; wherein the computer-readablememory unit is powered by a data processing device (DPD) under thecontrol of a visitor interfacing with the computer-readable memory.

The table stone and tablet stone may be formed as a single integratedpiece in some embodiments. The stone memorial may further comprise apassive RFID tag adapted to wireless signal the unique identifier to theDPD when exposed to a magnetic field.

The unique identifier may be engraved upon the forward face of thetablet stone.

A second stone memorial is provided comprising: a base stone adapted torest on one of a ground surface and subgrade; a tablet stone affixedsuperiorly to the base stone; a table stone affixed superiorly to thetablet stone, the table stone cantilevering over a forward face of thetablet stone such that a lower surface of the table stone overhangs theforward face of the tablet; wherein the tablet stone comprises acomputer-readable ROM memory unit accessible through a port disposedbeneath the lower surface of the table stone, such that table stoneprotects the port from direct exposure to sunlight and precipitation;wherein data written into the computer-readable memory unit comprises aunique identifier exclusively associated in a database with a deceasedperson to whom the memorial pays tribute; wherein data written into thecomputer-readable memory unit further comprises one or more of: a name,a birth date, a death date, a marriage date, photographs, a life story,journal records, memoirs, and genealogical information; wherein thecomputer-readable memory unit is powered by a data processing device(DPD) under the control of a visitor interfacing with thecomputer-readable memory.

The table stone and tablet stone may be formed as a single integratedpiece.

The stone memorial may further comprise a passive RFID tag adapted towireless signal the unique identifier to the DPD when exposed to amagnetic field. The unique identifier may be engraved upon the forwardface of the tablet stone.

A stone memorial system is also provided comprising: a base stoneadapted to rest on one of a ground surface and subgrade; a tablet stoneaffixed superiorly to the base stone; a table stone affixed superiorlyto the tablet stone, the table stone cantilevering over a forward faceof the tablet stone such that a lower surface of the table stoneoverhangs the forward face of the tablet; wherein the table stonecomprises a computer-readable ROM memory unit accessible through a portdisposed on the lower surface of the table stone, such that table stoneprotects the port from direct exposure to sunlight and precipitation;wherein data written into the computer-readable memory unit comprises aunique identifier exclusively associated in a database with a deceasedperson to whom the memorial pays tribute; wherein data written into thecomputer-readable memory unit further comprises one or more of: a name,a birth date, a death date, a marriage date, photographs, a life story,journal records, memoirs, and genealogical information; wherein thecomputer-readable memory unit is powered by a data processing device(DPD) under the control of a visitor interfacing with thecomputer-readable memory; a first passive RFID tag affixed to skeletalremains interred beneath the ground surface, the first passive RFID tagadapted to transmit the unique identifier when exposed to a magneticfield, wherein the first passive RFID tag is encased in anonbiodegradable polymeric materials before interment.

The first RFID tag may be affixed to the skeletal remains beforeinterment. The stone memorial may further comprise a second passive RFIDtag recessed into the memorial stone adapted to wireless signal theunique identifier to the DPD when exposed to a magnetic field.

The unique identifier in the system may be engraved upon the forwardface of the tablet stone.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present invention should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe invention may combine in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that theinvention may be practiced without one or more of the specific featuresor advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, ormay be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the invention brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the inventionwill be described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric, side perspective view illustrating oneembodiment of a marker having persistent computer-readable memory andinterface means in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a lower isometric, side perspective view illustrating oneembodiment of a marker having persistent computer-readable memory andinterface means in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a sectioned, side perspective view illustrating oneembodiment of a marker having persistent computer-readable memory andinterface means in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a sectioned, side perspective view illustrating anotherembodiment of a marker having persistent computer-readable memory andinterface means in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates a sectioned, side perspective view of an interfacemodule of a marker having persistent computer-readable memory andinterface means in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3D illustrates a sectioned, side perspective view of anotherembodiment of an interface module of a marker having persistentcomputer-readable memory and interface means in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 3E illustrates a sectioned forward perspective view of a marker 380having a detachable interface module 352 in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an environmental side perspective view illustrating oneembodiment of physical remains of a deceased individual exclusivelyassociated with a marker and name in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, environmental side perspective view illustratingphysical remains of a deceased individual exclusively associated with amarker and name in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system for enabling interfacebetween a grave marker and DPD in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics ofthe invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details areprovided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of theinvention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, thatthe invention may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of theinvention.

The depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment ofthe presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that areequivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, orportions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the formatand symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of themethod and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Althoughvarious arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chartdiagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of thecorresponding method.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate isometric, side perspective views of one embodimentof a marker having persistent computer-readable memory and interfacemeans in accordance with the present invention.

The gravestone 102 comprises an upright stone slab, pedestal, tablet orslate having a plurality of substantially planar faces as shown. Thegravestone 102 may be fabricated from materials known to those of skillin the art, such as granite, marble, sandstone, quartz, metal, zinc,cement and the like. The gravestone 102 comprises a forward face 112.

The marker 100 may comprise an upright headstone, kerbed headstone,ledger stones, chest tomb, table tomb, obelisk, pillar, mausoleum, andthe like. In some embodiments, the marker 100 does not comprise a basestone 110 or a table stone 104.

The apparatus (or market or tombstone or memorial) 100 comprises a basestone 110 or foundation, as shown, upon which the tablet 102 sits. Thebase stone 110 and tablet 102 may be formed as a single integratedpiece. A pillow stone, or table stone 104 (or raised ledger) positionsabove the tablet 102, which may also be formed as a single integratedpiece with the tablet 102.

The table stone 104 cantilevers outwardly from the tablet 102 such thatthe table stone 104 overhangs the forward face 112 of the tablet stone102. A digital port 202, in the shown embodiment, positions on a lowersurface 354 of the table stone 104. This positioning prevents elementssuch as rain, snow and ice, from penetrating into and accumulating onthe port 202, as precipitations runs downwardly toward a ground surface.The digital port 202 may comprise a USB port (universal serial bus) orany other port standardized to connect peripherals to personalcomputers, both to communicate logically and to power said devices. Invarious embodiments, power is supplied to the computer-readable memoryfrom a visitor's data processing device (DPD). The port 202 is aninterface designed to allow access between the marker 100 and a DPD inthe possession of a visitor.

Reference to DPDs may include a tablet computer, smartphone, or laptopunder the control of the visitor. The DPD may include server(s)operating independently of the visitor, configured to facilitate thereceipt, maintenance and provision of information between the marker 100and the visitor.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrates a sectioned, side perspective view of oneembodiment of a marker having persistent computer-readable memory andinterface means in accordance with the present invention.

Recessed within the lower surface 354 is persistent, computer-readablememory 352, which may be read only (ROM) or passive such that power mustbe supplied by the DPD to the computer-readable memory 352 to access it.The computer-readable memory may comprise flash memory, such as a USBflash drive 106 permanently embedded in the headstone 100. The ROM orEPROM memory may comprise any non-volatile computer readable memoryincluding firmware, CD ROMs, disk drives, and other computer-readablememory known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, thecomputer-readable memory 352 comprises a passive RFID tag 358 adapted tosignal data transfer between the RFID tag 358 and a DPD. The RFID tag358 may comprise an HF tag, a UHF tag, an SHF tag, or other RFID tagsknown to those of skill in the art. The RFID tag 358 may be adapted orconfigured to transmit an EPC code comprises a number exclusivelyassociated with the deceased, which number may be used for referencepurposes on other computer networks or to retrieve information from aDBMS or RDBMS. The marker may comprise a plurality of RFID tags 358.

The memory 352 may be detachable from the marker 300 or may bepermanently affixed therein. The memory 352 may be adapted to beremovable using means known to those of skill in the art, includinglocking into the marker 300 or sliding into the marker 300 on a trackrecessed into the marker 300. In various embodiments, the marker 100comprises a plurality of memory units 352 for redundancy. In someembodiments of the present invention, the memory 354 may be organized orencrypted such that some or all of the data in memory is accessible onlyto visitors which an encryption key or password using means known tothose of skill in the art.

As shown, the port 202 is angled, or inclined, away from an orthogonalorientation relative to the lower surface 354 such that water and ice donot accumulate within the port 202. Moisture will tend to run from theport 202, leaving the port unobstructed. In other embodiments, the port202 is oriented orthogonally, or perpendicularly to, the lower surface354. The memory 352 is elevated, in the present embodiment, above aground surface 402 to prevent snow pack, rising flood waters, andaccumulating debris such as leaves from reaching the elevation of theport 202, which might otherwise cover the port 202 if the port 202 weredisposed on the base stone 110 or on the tablet 102.

Hence, in general terms, the present invention provides for a raiseddigital interface recessed into a marker 100 which provides read-onlyaccess to computer-readable persistent memory to a visitor, thepersistent memory comprising data about the deceased, including by wayof example: photographs, life stories, name, genealogy, birth and deathdates, journal entries, memoirs, religious documents, and the like. Invarious embodiments, this data may be downloaded from the marker 300 bya visitor.

In some embodiments, data in the computer-readable memory 352 istransmitted wirelessly to the DPD using means know to those of skill inthe art to one or more separate DPDs, for instance using Bluetooth®technology or other wireless technology for relaying and receivingelectrical signals enabling device-to-device communication. By way ofexample, this functionality may be provided by incorporating theBluetooth Intercom Profile® and/or the Bluetooth Telephony Profile®, theDevice ID Profile (DIP), the Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN), the FileTransfer Profile (FTP), the Hands-Free Profile (HFP), the HumanInterface Device Profile (HID), the Headset Profile (HSP), and theIntercom Profile (ICP), the Proximity Profile (PXP).

The marker 300 may additionally or alternatively comprise a second port356 functionally the same as the port 202. The port 202 may be disposedon the tablet stone 102 beneath the table stone 104.

FIG. 3C illustrates a sectioned, side perspective view of an interfacemodule 360 of a marker having persistent computer-readable memory andinterface means in accordance with the present invention.

The interface module 360 includes a housing 352 comprising a hollowinterior recess 361 adapted to receive and house the componentsnecessary to impart memory and interface function to the marker 100.These components include passive, persistent computer-readable memory106, which memory 106 may comprise flash memory, a solid state drive(SSD), or other memory as known to those of skill in the art as furtherdescribed above.

In the shown embodiment, the memory 106 comprises a USB flash drivehaving integrated flash memory and an integrated USB interface. The USBflash drive, in the shown embodiment, is coupled to, or mated with, adouble-female adapter 364 configured to enable logical connectivitybetween the memory 106 and a DPD vis-à-vis a USB cable inserted intoport 362 as shown. In some embodiments, the memory 106 is detachablyremovable from the interface module 360. In other embodiments, thememory 106 is formed with the interface module 360 such that the entireinterface module 360 must periodically be replaced and its datatransferred to another computer-readable medium or o the replacementinterface module 360.

The interface module 360 (or memory unit) may also comprise a protocolconverter adapted to convert standard proprietary protocol of one deviceto a protocol suitable for a DPD plugged into the interface module 360.

While the shown embodiment depicts a USB port 362 (or receptacle 362),any interface means may be used in the present invention whichfacilitates end-to-end connectivity between the memory 106 and a hostand/or peripherals, including means making use of Ethernet cables, USBcables, other cables known to those of skill in the art and the like.

The housing 352 may be cylindrical as shown, or alternatively may becubic or any other shape. The housing 352 inserts into a hollow recessdisposed inferiorly to the cantilever of the marker 100 within saidmarker 100.

The housing 352 comprises a flange 362 which may be a cap which isaffixed to the main body 366 of the housing 352. In various embodiments,the flange 362 cantilevers outwardly in annular fashion from the mainbody 366. The recess 382 in the marker 380 (further described below)which receives the housing 352 may be shaped in tiered, orbirthday-caked fashion, to receive both the main body 366 and the flange368 of the housing 352.

FIG. 3D illustrates a sectioned, side perspective view of anotherembodiment of an interface module 370 of a marker having persistentcomputer-readable memory and interface means in accordance with thepresent invention.

In the preferred embodiment, the memory 106 is passive, meaning outsidepower must be supplied by a DPD or other source to access the memoryrather than being supplied by the marker 100; however, in someembodiments, the interface module 370 comprises its own processor 372and power supply as shown.

FIG. 3E illustrates a sectioned forward perspective view of a marker 380having a detachable interface module 352 in accordance with the presentinvention.

In various embodiments, the marker 380 defines a hollow interior recess382. The hollow interior recess 382 may be cylindrical and dimensionedto receive the interface module 360, which may detachably affix into themarker 380. In some embodiments, the interface module 360 is adheredinto the recess 382 using adhesive. In other embodiments, the recess 382is threaded to mate with exterior threading on the interface module 360such that the interface module 360 in screwed into the marker 380. Instill further embodiments, the interface module 360 is held in placeusing a friction fit.

In some embodiments, the interface module 360 in not positioned directlybelow the cantilever 104. In some embodiments of the present invention,the interface module 360 is positioned elsewhere on the marker, usingcables to interconnect a port 362 and the interface module 360.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate environmental side perspective views of physicalremains of a deceased individual exclusively associated with a markerand name in accordance with the present invention.

The system 400 may include a passive, skeletal RFID tag 408 adapted tosignal between the RFID tag and a DPD when the tag 408 is exposed to anelectromagnetic field. The RFID tag may comprise an HF tag, a UHF tag,an SHF tag, or other RFID tags known to those of skill in the art. TheRFID tag 408 may be adapted and configured to transmit an EPC code. Insome embodiments, the remains 406 of the departed may be interred toodeeply within the ground 404 beneath a ground or subgrade to facilitateautomatic identification and data capture using passive RFID technology,in which case the RFID continues to serve the utilitarian purpose offacilitating identification of the remains 406 if the remains aredisinterred.

The RFID tag 408 is surgically affixed as shown to the humerus of thedeceased before interment to ensure the RFID remains attached toskeletal remains of the deceased after decomposition. In otherembodiments, the RFID tag 408 is simply placed within a coffin 410alongside the deceased or affixed to the body of the deceased or thedeceased's clothing using nonsurgical means, such as affixing the RFIDtag 408 to a belt or around an arm or appendage of the deceased. TheRFID tag 408 transmits, or signals, in some embodiments, a 96 bit streamof data which may comprise a numeral (or unique identifier) exclusivelyassociated with the deceased or a string of characters representing thedeceased's name and/or birth or death date. For instance, the numeral inbase 10 indicated by the unique identifier may 0978653421 which may beexclusively associated with a deceased name John A. Smith born on Dec.31, 1910 by way of example in a database under the control of a cemeteryor genealogical association. In other embodiments, the unique identifiermay be the character string, “johnasmith” or “John a. Smith” or“johnasmith12311910” or any other variation which could be exclusivelyidentified with the deceased.

The RFID tag 408 may be encased in waterproof or nonbiodegradablepolymeric materials designed to last indefinitely.

FIG. 5 is an environmental side perspective view illustrating anexploded view of physical remains of a deceased individual exclusivelyassociated with a marker and name in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system for enabling interfacebetween a grave marker and DPD in accordance with the present invention.

The memory 106 may comprise data on a computer-readable medium organizedinto computer files and/or an RDBMS system. In various embodiments, thisdata is organized as journals 602 of the deceased; genealogicalinformation 604 of the deceased; identification information 606including names, birth dates, death dates; medical information 608 ofthe deceased, photograph 610 of the deceased, life stories of thedeceased 612, religious information including baptismal information andmarriage; and memoirs 616 of the deceased.

In various embodiments, the updates 618 may be supplied, or uploaded, tothe memory 106 from a DPD in logical connectivity therewith. Uploads 618may comprise updates to genealogical information supplied bydescendants. Power 620 may likewise be supplied. The files 602-616 maybe downloaded in a single data transfer 622.

The files 602-616 may be backed up in central computer memory under thecontrol of a memorial stone authority, or organization charged withmaintaining grave markers.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stone memorial comprising: a base stone adaptedto rest on one of a ground surface and subgrade; a tablet stone affixedsuperiorly to the base stone; a table stone affixed superiorly to thetablet stone, the table stone cantilevering over a forward face of thetablet stone such that a lower surface of the table stone overhangs theforward face of the tablet; wherein the table stone comprises aninterface module having computer-readable memory unit accessible througha port disposed on the lower surface of the table stone, such that tablestone protects the port from direct exposure to sunlight andprecipitation; wherein data written into the computer-readable memoryunit comprises a unique identifier exclusively associated in a databasewith a deceased person to whom the memorial pays tribute; wherein datawritten into the computer-readable memory unit further comprises one ormore of: a name, a birth date, a death date, a marriage date,photographs, a life story, journal records, memoirs, and genealogicalinformation; wherein the computer-readable memory unit is powered by adata processing device (DPD) under the control of a visitor interfacingwith the computer-readable memory.
 2. The stone memorial of claim 1,wherein the table stone and tablet stone are formed as a singleintegrated piece.
 3. The stone memorial of claim 1, further comprising apassive RFID tag adapted to wireless signal the unique identifier to theDPD when exposed to a magnetic field.
 4. The stone memorial of claim 1,wherein the unique identifier is engraved upon the forward face of thetablet stone.
 5. The stone memorial of claim 1, wherein the memory unitcomprises a polymeric housing affixed into a recess in the stonememorial.
 6. A stone memorial comprising: a base stone adapted to reston one of a ground surface and subgrade; a tablet stone affixedsuperiorly to the base stone; a table stone affixed superiorly to thetablet stone, the table stone cantilevering over a forward face of thetablet stone such that a lower surface of the table stone overhangs theforward face of the tablet; wherein the tablet stone comprises acomputer-readable ROM memory unit accessible through a port disposedbeneath the lower surface of the table stone, such that table stoneprotects the port from direct exposure to sunlight and precipitation;wherein data written into the computer-readable memory unit comprises aunique identifier exclusively associated in a database with a deceasedperson to whom the memorial pays tribute; wherein data written into thecomputer-readable memory unit further comprises one or more of: a name,a birth date, a death date, a marriage date, photographs, a life story,journal records, memoirs, and genealogical information; wherein thecomputer-readable memory unit is powered by a data processing device(DPD) under the control of a visitor interfacing with thecomputer-readable memory.
 7. The stone memorial of claim 6, wherein thetable stone and tablet stone are formed as a single integrated piece. 8.The stone memorial of claim 6, further comprising a passive RFID tagadapted to wireless signal the unique identifier to the DPD when exposedto a magnetic field.
 9. The stone memorial of claim 6, wherein theunique identifier is engraved upon the forward face of the tablet stone.10. A stone memorial system comprising: a base stone adapted to rest onone of a ground surface and subgrade; a tablet stone affixed superiorlyto the base stone; a table stone affixed superiorly to the tablet stone,the table stone cantilevering over a forward face of the tablet stonesuch that a lower surface of the table stone overhangs the forward faceof the tablet; wherein the table stone comprises a cylindrical housingdefining a hollow interior recess and overhanging flange, the hollowinterior recess housing a computer-readable ROM memory unit accessiblethrough a port disposed on the lower surface of the table stone, suchthat table stone protects the port from direct exposure to sunlight andprecipitation; wherein the interface module is detachably affixed into ahollow interior recess defined by one of the tablet stone and the tablestone; wherein data written into the computer-readable memory unitcomprises a unique identifier exclusively associated in a database witha deceased person to whom the memorial pays tribute; wherein datawritten into the computer-readable memory unit further comprises one ormore of: a name, a birth date, a death date, a marriage date,photographs, a life story, journal records, memoirs, and genealogicalinformation; wherein the computer-readable memory unit is powered by adata processing device (DPD) under the control of a visitor interfacingwith the computer-readable memory; a first passive RFID tag affixed toskeletal remains interred beneath the ground surface, the first passiveRFID tag adapted to transmit the unique identifier when exposed to amagnetic field, wherein the first passive RFID tag is encased in anonbiodegradable polymeric materials before interment.
 11. The stonememorial of claim 10, wherein the first RFID tag is affixed to theskeletal remains before interment.
 12. The stone memorial of claim 10,further comprising a second passive RFID tag recessed into the memorialstone adapted to wireless signal the unique identifier to the DPD whenexposed to a magnetic field.
 13. The stone memorial of claim 10, whereinthe unique identifier is engraved upon the forward face of the tabletstone.